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Midlife Sparkle with Belinda Stark
Welcome to Midlife Sparkle with Belinda Stark – the podcast that celebrates the messy, magical middle of life.
I'm Belinda Stark – coach, writer, mum, and midlife cheerleader. I know firsthand how this season can feel like a rollercoaster: one minute you're craving change, the next you're clinging to what's familiar. Whether you're navigating menopause, identity shifts, career pivots, or relationships evolving, this podcast is your reminder that you're not alone – and it's not too late to reclaim your sparkle.
Each week, you'll hear honest conversations with inspiring women, expert voices, and real stories from the messy middle. We’ll explore everything from mindset and wellbeing to alcohol, ageing, motherhood, purpose, and the quiet courage it takes to start again.
This is your space for reflection, laughter, lightbulb moments, and gentle nudges forward – no perfectionism, pressure, or pretending required.
Let’s rewrite the rules of midlife, one story at a time.
Midlife Sparkle with Belinda Stark
How Do I Know If I Have a Drinking Problem?
Welcome to this solo episode of Sober'ish' Sparkle with me, Belinda Stark – your guide through all things sober curious, midlife, and meaningful.
In this heartfelt and honest chat, I dive into one of the most common questions I get asked: “How do I know if I’m drinking too much?” If you’re a midlife woman quietly wondering whether alcohol is still serving you – this episode is for you.
I unpack the subtle signs that might indicate your drinking is no longer aligned with how you want to feel – physically, emotionally, or mentally. I talk about my own experiences, the sneaky patterns many of us fall into (like drinking to relax, sleep, or socialise), and the turning points that often lead us to reassess our relationship with alcohol.
We’ll explore:
- Why questioning your drinking is actually a sign of strength (not weakness)
- The role of midlife stressors and how alcohol becomes a coping tool
- The myth of alcohol helping us sleep – and what really happens to our rest and energy
- The emotional toll of “just one more glass” and that 3am wake-up anxiety
- How the brain and body respond to alcohol (spoiler alert: they’re screaming for balance)
- Why we drink more than we plan to – and what that could be telling us
- Reframing the idea of alcohol as a reward – and what true self-care looks like
If you’ve been hiding your drinking, justifying it to yourself, or finding it hard to cut back – please know you’re not alone. In fact, many midlife women sit in the “grey area” of drinking – functioning on the outside, but silently questioning on the inside.
This episode isn’t about shame or labels. It’s about getting curious, trusting your intuition, and gently opening the door to something different.
You don’t need to hit rock bottom to want change. Sometimes the quiet whisper is enough.
If this conversation speaks to you, my Winter Warm-Up: Get Your Sober Sparkle course may be just the nudge you need. It’s a one-month guided experience for women in midlife who want to feel clearer, stronger, and more like themselves again – with zero judgement and lots of support.